Custer family continues family tradition of bluegrass

STONYCREEK TOWNSHIP - The Coleman Station Bluegrass Festival's program today and tomorrow is just about three kids carrying on a family tradition just for the love of the music.

Located on a 32-acre site between Shanksville and Friedens along Coleman Station Road in Stonycreek Township, the festival will transform farmland into a concert stage and camping area.

The farmland and the festival belong to the Custer and Newman families.

Tim Custer and his wife Brenda, his brother, Kevin, and sister, Cindy Newman, have worked during the last few years to get the festival off of the ground.

Their father, Kenny "Slab" Custer, was a musical figure in this area.

In fact, Slab's bluegrass and country music radio program on WVSC spanned some 30 years.

"He had a hand in about anything that involved music around here for most of his life," said Tim, who followed in his parents' footsteps and has played professionally each weekend for more than 30 years.

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"While he and my mother are gone now, it is an honor for me and the rest of my family to be able to continue the tradition of presenting good, home-grown, down-to-earth music to the folks in this area," he added.

Besides honoring their parents, Tim said it also combines families with good entertainment.

"Our purpose over the last several years in coordinating this festival has been to provide an atmosphere where family and friends can gather and enjoy a weekend of good music and entertainment," he said.

That was just what the Custer kids did almost every weekend. The men played, the women cooked and the kids played with bluegrass music in the background, Kevin said.

Tim's debut was at Mel's Restaurant & Lounge along West Patriot Street in Somerset at age 13. His parents went along with him to support his playing and learning. Shortly after the debut, Tim joined a group performing at the former Circle 219 along Berlin Plank Road. His group was called The Country Doves.

Cindy added that her lessons came later in life.

"I was already married when I wanted to learn the fiddle. When I got beyond what dad could show me, he sent me on to other professionals to learn more," she said.

For Kevin, his came when he was 10 years old and his dad bought him a new galvanized washtub and shovel handle. They tied them together so he could learn to play a washtub bass. Six months later his dad presented him with the real thing.

Once the Custer kids decided to put on the festival, they knew exactly who the first act would be, Tim said.

"We wanted the three of us to have the first music on the stage," he said.

This year, the festival grounds will be open today and tomorrow, but campers may stay until Sunday.